Technological advancement in the orthopedic branch of modern medicine is rooted in the aspect of prosthetics.
Without a doubt, newer systems for prosthetics are in use for patients who have lost limbs to orthopedic trauma. Even with instances of amputations, patients today are not limited to going about their business as long as advanced or quality prosthetic limbs are used to replace their lost ones.
What does advancement in artificial limbs mean for patients with amputations?
An advancement constitutes the opportunity for the production and creation of better artificial limbs with better efficiency in mobility while curbing threats of executing pain and the possibility of deprecation of ability to function in prosthetics.
These advancements can come in the forms of:
- Prosthetics with silicone elastomers for user comfort.
- Shuttle lock for limb suspension.
- Better attachment and detachment qualities.
What does the future promise in prosthetic technology?
Realistic coverings for prosthetics: The insecurity usually surrounding amputees stems from the social dismay coming from people at the sight of prosthetics on a patient. Clothing has often been used as a means of covering attached prosthetic limbs. It is almost as unprecedented as an anomaly to the naked eye.
In time, there will be an introduction of realistic carbon-based limbs with a more lifelike feel to them. With more artificial limbs like this, the general acceptance and demand will most likely skyrocket to higher levels. So such innovation in prosthetics will indeed be a morale boost for more sentimental patients.
Better detachment button and functions: A detachment button on a prosthetic limb serves the function of detaching the prosthetic limb completely from the part it was previously attached to. They are usually concealed at the corner of the prosthetic limb where the amputee can easily reach it.
The problem with artificial limbs already possessing such buttons is the central mechanism behind the detachment.
With future instances of artificial limbs, detachment will be more convenient with buttons funny functional.
Introduction of a microprocessor for better mobility: Microprocessors being applied to prosthetics is an engineering advancement for orthopedic medicine that holds so much to offer victims of amputation and orthopedic trauma.
What it does is control the movement of the joints of an artificial limb for smooth turns and mobility. Through microprocessors in the upgrading of limb movement, a significant increase of quick-paced, fast-paced, and response reactions will ultimately occur.
Direct attachment to the skeleton: It sounds almost impossible, the prospect of being able to connect a prosthetic with a bone. Dubbed osseointegration by orthopedic experts, a prosthetic is attached to the skeleton from an amputated stump. This orthopedic activity if perfected promises so much relief from the threat with amputated stumps, as they are open to swelling and shrinking due to changes in temperature or from external factors.
Orthofit orthopedics is the leading musculoskeletal center in the southeast through their specialization in prosthetics attachment, detachment, and maintenance in general including handling orthopedic disorders.
Located in Enugu, Nigeria; Orthofit guarantees to patients of orthopedic trauma, a fitting rehabilitation program specific to their body, one that promises results.